Meet the Maker with Stephanie Alphee
Stephanie Alphee is the driving force behind Alphee Arts. She's an educator, creator, and entrepreneur, harnessing her love for crafting and technology to inspire and assist fellow makers. With nearly a decade of experience, Stephanie has dedicated herself to introducing young minds to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) through interactive experiences. Today, she leverages her extensive background in teaching and community involvement to empower a diverse range of makers, whether they're kids, do-it-yourself enthusiasts, or budding entrepreneurs, by involving them in the exciting manufacturing journey.
Here’s Stephanie talking about her art, process and experience…
I've always been a maker, I've just found the word for it a few years ago. Growing up I could always be found doodling, writing stories, or turning pipe cleaners into a flower bouquet. I handmade ornaments for the Christmas tree every year, and my most asked for gift was a pottery wheel.
This desire to learn and make is what also fueled my career in non-profit education where I could inspire young people to find what fueled them. My creative outlet became a business in 2020 when I started to combine my love for paper and traditional crafts with all of the digital fabrication skills I learned through teaching STEAM to children.
My first products were handbound journals and custom stamps. Through bookbinding I found leathercrafting and I have been producing custom leather goods like wallets, passport covers, keychains and travel journals ever since. I enjoy working with leather because of its versatility. You can make a wide range of utilitarian products, from trays, to bags to clothes that will last forever if well made.
I am lucky to be able to use my teaching skills to explore new mediums through teaching classes to youth and adults. I've learned papermaking, soap making, wood working and more through teaching classes, and I look forward to learning more about screen printing and ceramics one of these days.
My current line of leather products is inspired by connection to Baltimore and my love to travel. As a transplant to Baltimore City by way of New York I have spent much of the last 10 years looking at the map of Baltimore as I learned to traverse and fall in love with this city.
To learn more about Stephanie and her work, check out her website.
Maryland Maker Meet-Up with special guest maker Stephanie Alphee!
Ages 16+
Wednesday, October 25 | 6-8 pm
Discover the intricate steps of leather crafting
Master the art of promoting your business and showcasing your creations
Unlock the secrets to establishing a thriving maker enterprise
Acquire valuable techniques for identifying ideal sales outlets
Get ready for a maker-inspired discussion that ventures into a hands-on leather stamping activity! Learn how to emboss leather with letters and shapes to create custom leather pieces. Bring your questions, ideas, and curiosity! Enjoy refreshments, light snacks, and creative conversations.
